8 Bit Weapon
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Apple II drum sequencer surfaces for chiptune composers
No, this isn't a recycled news item from the 1980s -- it's 2011, and MJ Mahon and 8 Bit Weapon have just announced the release of the Apple II DMS Drummer, a wavetable-based drum sequencer for Apple II-era machines. The monophonic synth reproduces eight drum sounds like bass, snare, rim shot, hand clap, tom, hat open, hat closed and "lazer," along with a sequencer that lets you plug in up to 16 drum patterns across 256 slots. Seems like just the thing for chiptune composers hankering for a way to make authentic eight-bit drum tracks using vintage Apple hardware. System requirements call for an Apple IIe, IIc, IIc+ or IIgs with 80-column capability and a 5.25-inch floppy drive -- you know, pretty modern stuff. A limited demo version is available, but if that doesn't satisfy, you can either buy it on a floppy for $14.95 or download a .dsk disk image for $9.95. Oh, and neither require a time-traveling DeLorean to go back to 1985. [Thanks, Seth]
The perfect companion for those long Light Cycle trips: the 'Tron Boy' mod
Yard sales are great for two things: laughing at the ridiculous stuff some people find and bargain-priced electronics from yesteryear. In this day and age, if you come upon a yard sale that isn't trying to unload at least one Game Boy, then those people probably weren't really into portable gaming. No, really -- those people exist! We tell you this because we have a great idea should you ever come across a Game Boy at one of these slices of Americana: the Tron Boy. The pictured mod by Thretris was created to celebrate the release of 8 Bit Weapon's Tron chiptune album (ZIP file link) and does a good job of plucking our heartstrings on two distinct fronts. It makes us pine for those days of playing Tetris on the bus to school and the first time we saw Jeff Bridges kicking some ass with a disc. Those were the days. ... great, now we have a hankerin' to play some Tetris. Thanks, Thretris! [Via GoNintendo; Tiny Cartridge]
Apple II Digital Music Synthesizer available now for 8-bit die-hards
The last time we had occasion to feature 8 Bit Weapon in this space, our man Seth had hacked his Nintendo Power Pad into a music controller. Now the team is back with something a little less strenuous -- but no less musical -- for all of you budding chiptune artists out there. The Digital Music Synthesizer for Apple II is a wavetable synthesizer designed specifically for live performance. Not only does this bad boy come with ten voices (including bass, trumpet, square wave, sawtooth wave, and sine wave), but sequences can be recorded for a later time. But wait, there's more -- there is no monitor required. If you've ever had to lug an Apple II monitor to a dank performance space on a weeknight (and who hasn't?), you understand what a sweet setup this is. Supports your Apple IIe, IIc, IIc+, or IIgs computer with 80-column capability and at least one 5.25" floppy disk drive. Get yours now for $19.95 -- but not before checking out the demo after the break.
Friday Video: Power Pad hack is music to our ears
Seth Sternberger is responsible for the awesome video above, which brings back memories of Big, for some odd reason. It's just pure awesome. The specifics of how he completed this are a tad bit of a mystery, but Seth has some musical chops. Not only did he complete this, but he's also part of the chiptune outfit 8 Bit Weapon. We salute you Seth! Keep up the good work.[Via Engadget] Each week, our Friday Video segment takes a look at the gaming landscape online and brings forth an interesting video that (hopefully) gets the dialog started. Other cool hacks featured have included the GameCube clock and a Nunchuk-controlled camera.
Power Pad hacked into musical controller, DDR trembles
We're not quite sure how Seth Sternberger, one member of 8 Bit Weapon, was able to pull this off, but he somehow compiled a number of old parts from local shops and eBay in order to transform an NES Power Pad into an instrument of awesomeness. Click on through for a video of Micro Boogie being performed on said Pad, and don't be shocked to find yourself immediately overcome with the need to get one of these in your own house (only to remember that you can't dance).
